Cable-stayed bridges are among the most fascinating endeavours in the history of bridge design. An important part in their historiography is played by the eminent German civil engineer Franz Dischinger (1887–1953) who is usually credited with having been the key initiator of the modern cable-stayed bridge. Based on current research by the author, this paper focuses on the different steps followed by Dischinger during his involvement with the topic of stay cables in bridge design. In addition, direct and indirect influences of his efforts in this field will be discussed. By critically analysing this captivating story of twentieth-century engineering history, some deep-rooted errors will be corrected and important new insights added.